Collectors who ordered 25th anniversary silver eagle sets from the Mint on October 27 are eagerly awaiting shipment of their sets.

A waiting list for the sets was posted about 4 ½ hours after the start of sales on October 27, which was one of the fastest sells-outs in U.S. Mint history.

The official sold out notice was posted the following day.

As of now, those whose orders have been received and confirmed have been told their sets will ship in about two weeks, but I would not expect that to be a firm time frame.

From the day the sets sold out pre-orders on e-Bay generated major premiums over the Mint’s price of $299.95. Within days the sets were averaging $600 each, and last week prices reached about $1,000 per set, and lots of five unopened sets sold for as much as $7,500.

Graded sets have been selling for many multiples of these prices, with sets graded MS/PF-70 averaging $4,000 each and reaching a high of close to $5,400.

Of course, no sets have yet been actually graded since no one yet has physical possession of any sets. But larger coin sellers and retailers purchased enough sets that they seem to be certain they will receive some 70 sets.

I would caution buyers of the graded sets to wait before buying.

The market for these coins will not really begin to be established until sets have been received and graded by the grading companies and sold by major coin retailers at fixed prices. You will almost certainly lose money if you pay $4,000 or more for a 70 set now.

On the other hand, if you bought a raw set that you plan to have graded, you could do very well if your only cost is the raw set plus the grading fees.

Remember that PCGS and NGC require that these sets be sent in unopened U.S. Mint boxes in order to be eligible for 25th anniversary labels. This means the outer shipping box must be sealed and never have been opened.

Last week e-Bay halted pre-order sales of these sets and cancelled auctions for them.

Initially, some sets were still slipping through, but as of late last week, it became almost impossible to find a set for sale on e-Bay. Prior to writing this column, I checked and could only find one.

E-Bay argues that because of high demand for the sets, it is important that sellers have physical possession of sets of which they can provide a unique photo.

The high demand argument is not persuasive since many other coins are in high demand, but are still sold on a pre-order basis.

It appears that e-Bay made this move in response to numerous complaints that e-Bay sellers had flooded the Mint’s web and phone ordering systems, crowding out collectors looking to acquire a set for their collection rather than to sell.

The new policy is a departure from past e-Bay practice since pre-orders for modern U.S. coins, especially limited edition sets, have been a staple of e-Bay coin sales.

It also seems inconsistent since as far as I know, pre-orders are still accepted for other coins such as rolls of bullion-grade silver eagles, or even other collectible Mint products.

Sellers generally state that if they are unable to provide the coins within 30 days, the buyer has the option of cancelling the sale.

It is unclear what is different about the anniversary sets apart from the high number of complaints, which e-Bay must have received about pre-orders of these sets.

It is also unclear how e-Bay’s move will impact the market for the sets.

Meanwhile, most retailers, such as John Maben’s Modern Coin Mart (MCM), have not yet determined their selling prices, but MCM is accepting non-binding pre-orders with no price indicated. MCM calls itself the largest online retailer of modern U.S. coins.

Typically, major retailers and smaller dealers use e-Bay completed sales to help determine the market price for modern coins. This is a rapidly changing segment of the U.S. coin market, and even the weekly Coin Dealer Newsletter, or greysheet, can lag behind what coins are trading at on a given day.

Even before Mint sales for these coins began, Chattanooga Coins of TN, was offering pre-sales for $800 for raw sets, $900 for MS/PF-69 sets, and $3,975 for 70 sets.

Chattanooga has indicated it has sold out of the raw sets.

In my view, a price in the neighborhood of $1,000 is where I expect values for these sets to settle in the coming months.

But again, it is important to understand that the modern Mint segment of the coin market evolves all the time, and prices will ebb and flow in response to a variety of factors.

These factors include especially dealer promotions and the extent to which these sets are in what I like to call “strong hands,” meaning owners who plan to keep their sets at least for a few years, rather than sell them.

As was evident from the response to my last column on these coins, and other discussions on the anniversary sets, the quick sell out of these sets really struck a chord with a lot of people. Even some dealers were unable to place orders for sets, as I learned at my local coin shop.

The controversy surrounding the sale of these coins continues to swirl, as collectors and other buyers debate the pros and cons of the household limit of five sets and the Mint’s lagging ordering systems.

Many suggestions have been made from a lottery system to a mail-in process and others, but there is nothing close to a consensus on what would work best at this point.

Last week the Mint e-mailed customers and posted on its web site (http://www.usmint.gov) a notice indicating that it is aware of the concerns of people who were unable to obtain a set, and the frustrations involved in trying to obtain a set.

The statement reiterated the Mint’s plans to implement a major overhaul of its ordering infrastructure next year and also said it is conducting a review of its policies regarding the sale of limited edition coin sets to ensure they are consistent with the Mint’s objectives, which include promoting a wide distribution of its products to interested buyers.

Postscript:

Late in the day on November 7, the Mint changed the order status for many customers’ orders to “in stock and reserved” and began charging buyers’ credit cards, which is generally not done until orders are ready to ship, or will ship within a couple days.

Probably as a result of this development, e-Bay has reinstated some pre-order auctions for the sets. I found 10 auctions with buyers stating their orders were “in stock and reserved,” but last week before the policy change there were hundreds of auctions.

Louis Golino is a coin collector and numismatic writer, whose articles on coins have appeared in Coin World, Numismatic News, and a number of different coin web sites. His column for CoinWeek, “The Coin Analyst,” covers U.S. and world coins and precious metals. He collects U.S. and European coins and is a member of the ANA, PCGS, NGC, and CAC. He has also worked for the U.S. Library of Congress and has been a syndicated columnist and news analyst on international affairs for a wide variety of newspapers and web sites.

Louis Golino is a numismatic journalist and writer specializing in modern coin issues. He has been writing a weekly column for Coin Week since May 2011 called "The Coin Analyst," which focuses primarily on modern U.S. and world coins and developments at major world mints, and is also a contributor to two magazines, American Hard Assets and the Numismatist, the American Numismatic Association's monthly publication. His work has also appeared in Coin World, Numismatic News, and various coin web sites. He collects classic and modern U.S. coins and modern world coins from a number of different countries. He first joined the ANA in the 1970's. He has also worked for the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress and has been a syndicated columnist and news analyst on international affairs for a wide variety of publications. He has been writing professionally since the early 1980's.

Hello Louis
Seeing that you have posted the most recent information, I would like to present to you some questions. My order was received on the 27th of October. The initial shipping date of November 11, was pushed back to November 16, and further to November 22. My account states in process, yet backordered. I notice that you have specified that on November 7, many orders were so-called, cleared by the U.S. Mint. Even though my account has not been charged, does this mean I shall still receive the set? As always, thank you Louis.

Thanks for your comment, synoptic12. I can not say for certain since I obviously don’t represent the Mint, but I think you should still receive your set. The Mint tends to move batches of orders through the various stages based on when the orders were received. Until today mine had a date that kept moving back too, and then late today, it changed to in process. But just because yours does not yet state “in process and reserved” does not mean your order will not ship. The Mint has probably not yet gotten to your order, but I think it will work out okay. I would check your account again in the coming days. Also, the charging of credit cards is not 100% consistent, but generally if they charge your account, you will get it soon. Some people have received orders before their accounts were charged, but that is not typical.

Thanks for your insights on this new Mint set. They are obviously a hot item with their low mintages.

We are actually getting requests about holding these sets in an IRA account for longer term investments. You can purchase these coins from a neutral third party and hold them in a depository for safekeeping. The goal is to grow retirement dollars tax-deferred. We’re happy to help if there is interest.

all the years i have brought from the mint ,they have never charged my card until the order on the website says shipped.My order says now in stock and reserved,still have not charge my card,not until ship status

my C.C was charged today at 3am pacific time, my order # is 3835####. They started with 3832 numbers they are moving very fast, already half ways till 3838#s, i guess a lot of orders are getting cancel for them to move this fast. My order was at the 3rd hour mark or 3pm ET. They should finish charging the later order numbers today it looks like it, maybe shipped the next day wednsday hopefully, by friday for sure. Lol i bet HSn will have some for sale at this saturdays tv show for crazy prices as always. I watch HSN coin shows for reference then i go to buy the coins id interested at modern coin mart etc for a third of the hsn price sometimes and the anacs, icg grading is a joke.

Alvaro thank you for posting. I tried all day via internet and phone and did not reach the USA MINT until 4:30 p.m. PST. (7:30 EST)

My order number is 38390***. I wonder how do you access what order NUMBERS they are working on? I found it fascinating and logical following your LOGIC above. I agree on MCM as I am one of their elite members. AS far as ANACS grading they were the only ones to grade my 1909 rare Saint a 1909 D/D one: NGC refused to grade it even though they had the coin, pictures, ANACS slab right before their eyes – seems that it was NOT in their CHERRY PICKERS book and they did not want to be honest.

ANACS and ICG are not jokes. Coins in their slabs are sold at the top coin auction houses. ANACS actually got its start as the official grader for the ANA and is still highly respected for its grading of classic gold coins. The two companies may be third and fourth behind PCGS and NGC but they are still top tier graders.

Thanks to everyone for their feedback, and for contributing to an interesting discussion. It appears that once the cancel button is no longer available on your order at the Mint, your card has been charged, and your coins should be coming soon!

I wouldn’t be too attached to the Mint’s shipping date. It always sets a future date that advances one day, every day. In the past, the shipping date was usually one week in the future, but for the 25th Anniv. Silver Set, they set a date two weeks ahead.

I presume that is to give the Mint “wiggle room” in getting the order verified and ready to ship. Also, if the Mint states that the order will ship by a certain date and it doesn’t, the customer will be upset; but if the order ships before the stated shipping date, the customer will be pleasantly surprised. Though this is intended to not disappoint the customer, this policy tends to confuse the customer.

I wish the Mint would establish a range for its shipping date. Amazon.com uses a date range, for example, “Shipping estimate: Nov. 15 – 20.” Amazon is not tied down to one specific date, and usually the actual ship date is much earlier. That date range changes to a single date when they know they will be able to get it out by then.

Keep in mind that when the Mint uses the word “backordered,” it does not mean that the product is sold-out. The Mint actually means that the order is “backed-up,” pending verification of the customer’s credit card, address, name, household limit, etc. Usually “backordered” is associated with “hold.”

If you have received the “in process” message, then you are practically assured that you will receive your set. The “backordered” term should shortly be replaced with “in stock and reserved,” which means that the Mint has accepted your order and there are enough coins minted and ready to fill your order. Just prior to this, the Mint had checked with the credit card company to see if you have enough credit for the order (you will see a hold on your credit card for that amount).

It may take a few days for the message to change to “shipped on [date],” and you will get a tracking # for USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Your credit card will then be charged, and your set will be sent to the shipper. Sometime between “in stock and reserved” and “shipped on [date],” the Cancel check-box will be eliminated from the Track Order page.

Thank you very much for the highly detailed, and accurate information. I believe that you have specified all details clearly, and am most appreciative of this. In the realm of reality, the light we seek at the end, is the infinite Light, from above. Let me ask a question, do you believe the chase is exciting, or would you prefer an easy ordering process? Anyways, I truly appreciate your most helpful response.

Two Cents
Your findings are quite accurate, and most appreciated. You do make mention of the policies of Amazon, which are binding. In a sense, I believe that the U.S. Mint may operate in the same format, only this facet is not clearly defined, such as Amazons. to indicate the actual means of the “order”, as being referred to as ‘backorder’, is somewhat misleading. Most companies refer to backorder, as not being available. I was really unaware, in which this term (backorder), is applied by the U.S. Mint. The U.S. Mint uses much termonology in the process of an order, which possibly could lead some to confusion. If the standards of ordering could be streamlined, to eliminate some points, which may be misconstrued by some, it may be beneficial to many. Altogether, we believe that the U.S. Mint is still moving in a forward direction, and continuing to accomadate the many. Thank you very much for truly defining the aspects of such, in which you have further expanded upon.

JUST TO LET YOU KNOW: They are being shipped already. I will have these coins in my hot little hands w/in the week. Make an offer……..
We shipped the items listed below today.
Thank you for shopping at the United States Mint Online Catalog; we hope you’ll visit again soon.
Registered users may track their order at http://www.usmint.gov/ catalog and guest users with inquiries about their order should call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). If you have questions about returns or cancellations, please visit http://www.usmint.gov/ catalog.
Thanks again for shopping with the U.S. Mint.
Electronic gift certificates are now available!

got my set was looking at the information card that come inside the coin.The information from the mint ,before the sets were ever struck said,the one eagle is from san fran ,but no mint mark ,the card inside with the coins states it could be from san fran or west point ,is this a mistake on the authenticity card or is this a true statement

I’m surprised that the Mint now says that the non-mintmarked bullion coin is from either the West Point or San Francisco Mint.

In his initial announcement of August 19, 2011 at a collector forum held at the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money, Deputy U. S. Mint Director Richard A. Peterson said that the non-mintmarked bullion coins in the sets would be struck from either the San Francisco or West Point Mint.

From 1986 thru 1988, silver American Eagles were minted only at San Francisco (SF Assay Office and SF Mint); from 1989 thru 2000, they were minted at both the San Francisco and West Point Mints; from 2001 thru 2010, they were minted only at the West Point Mint; and in 2011, the coins were struck only at West Point, with San Francisco coming back on line beginning May of this year. None of the bullion coins have a mintmark.

On Oct. 12, 2011, Tom Jurkowsky, director of the Mint’s Office of Public Affairs, told Coin World (Oct. 31 issue) that the non-mintmarked bullion coins in the 25th Anniversary Silver Set were in fact minted at the San Francisco Mint. This made a lot of practical sense, as the sets were assembled at the San Francisco Mint, where bullion coins were and are still being struck.

I have a feeling that the mint personnel that you talked to might have known about the August announcement, but not of the October one. The certificate of authenticity might have been printed months ago, before the origin of the non-mintmarked bullion coins was known.

I thought the same thing myself about the san fran mint only,but if you have a copy of coin world week of oct.31st on page 58 gives a description of what coins come in the set . It states at first the bullion coin will be from san fran mint ,but as you read down the page it says that the coin can be from san fran or west point

I am looking at the online version of the Oct. 31 issue of Coin World, and in that article, in the paragraph you mention, it states that the set includes “one bullion coin struck without a Mint mark at the San Francisco Mint ….” In the next paragraph, the article goes on to say, “U. S. Mint officials decided that all bullion coin production for the set would be conducted at the San Francisco facility.”

The part where the non-mintmarked bullion coins would be “struck at either the West Point or San Francisco Mint” refers to the Aug. 19 announcement by Deputy Director Richard Peterson.

The article of Oct. 31 was based on the Oct. 12 announcement by the Mint’s Office of Public Affairs Director Tom Jurkowsky, and is an update to Peterson’s remarks, almost two months prior.

Two Cents
Is there any way to identify, or distinguish, as to whether the non-mintmarked (San Francisco) coin is truly from that mint, other than being contained in the ‘monster box’, with seal? Also, in reference to this same coin, is it ‘burnished’, or just regular bullion? Is burnished considered satin, or is there any difference in the two, as to the amount of times of planchets being struck, or simply the amount of force used? Thank you.

According to the Mint, the non-mintmarked bullion Silver Eagles minted at the two mints are indistinguishable from each other. Dies sent to each mint are made exactly the same way.

If one were to take the time to carefully examine enough of the Mint’s sealed Monster Boxes (which are labeled by the striking mint), one could conceivably come up with microscopic die characteristics that would identify which die was in service at a particular mint. I doubt any person or company would do that – the sheer time, effort and expense of purchasing the boxes and examining each coin would be overwhelming.

If the Mint wanted to make some extra money (and I think would be an enormously popular item), it could sell Silver American Eagle cancelled dies from the San Francisco and West Point Mints with the actual coin made from that die. In the past, the Mint had done exactly that with the 1999-2008 State Quarters series and the 2003-2004 Westward Journey Nickels with the Denver and Philadelphia Mint dies. If people wanted to slab their coins, then they would have to send in the sealed Mint package containing the die and coin to one of the grading services.

Hold on, I will answer your other question about burnished vs. satin finish after I do some research on it.

Two Cents,
Thank you for the information. Looking into the characteristics of the die, in that you would need to send in the die, to authenticate the mint, seems a little much. I am aware that the U.S. Mint sold dies in the past, but had no knowledge, as to what you have provided. Anyways, I really appreciate the time you have given, and for your knowledge, as well. The question of the ‘satin’, vs. the ‘burnished’, has been an enigma to me for some time.

HEY THIS IS NO JOKE I WAS ON THE COMPUTER THIS MORNING NOV. 11TH 7.36 EASTERN TIME THE MINT HAS REMOVED SOLD OUT ON THE EAGLE SETS AND ALLOWS TO ORED THEN WITH A SHIPPING DATE OF 11/25/11. THEN THE ORDER SAYS BACKORDER BUT NOT SOLD OUT i DON’T KNOW WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I DO NOT WHAT IS GOING ON BUT AT 7.36 THIS MORNING 11/11 THE MINT TOOK OFF SOLD OUT AND LETTING YOU ORDER EAGLE SETS WITH A SHIPPING DATE OF 11/25/11 A COUPLE OF GUYS ALREADY ORDER AND GOT A ORDER # SO CHECK IT OUT QUICKLEY

i called again this morning and the lady from the mint said she did not what was going on,but they were working on the system and they did not have any more ,they were still sold out. I figure it was to good to be true

Hello Folks. A few days ago I thought I saw a report on a breakdown on how many orders came thru for the 2011 Silver Eagle Anniversary Set. It also showed how many sets per order, and such. Can anybody point me to this article as I cannot find it. Thanks for your help.

Bob,
Did you receive your sets yet? I know that you were waiting. I’ve still yet to receive my order. The U.S. Mint has pushed back the date four times, November 28 the latest. However, when I called the U.S. Mint, the automated recording states, it could take four to six weeks. My order is still in process. Thought I’d bring you some good news.

I recently sent NGC an e-mail asking how the home shopping network was selling 200 sets of the new 25th anniversary silver eagles graded pf-ms 70 for 3900 dollars. These coins were graded by ANACS. I am a novice at collecting but I thought there were only 5 sets allowed per person. NGC responded saying that this is a question that I should ask home shopping network. Does anyone have an explanation? Thanks.

Mr. T,
Business is business. That truly is the bottom line. Nothing will negate this fact, and it is somewhat disappointing. Many different scenarios could equate with your presentation of facts. Knowing this, would it not stand to reason as to how, or why, HSN could have acquired this amount of sets. There is no precedent as to your aforesaid comments, rather conducting business as usual. You are very astute, and most knowledgable regarding the intricate aspects; to some, as to be stymied by your own question.

Update:
Well, I’ve received my sets this day of November 18, 2011, originally scheduled, to be supposedly delivered ,on November 28, 2011. Sets were sent out on the 17th of November, as I received them in one day. After the order being pushed back four times, I was highly pleased with receiving the sets prior to November 28, 2011. The U.S. Mint has not ever failed us yet. Quality: Easily 70 grade; there is no question.

Hello,
In receiving my sets this day (18th November), the package delivered by UPS clearly states with a white label 6 lbs. However, the UPS online tracking statement identifies the package as 7 lbs. Does anyone have an explanation, as to the discrepancy in the difference of weight? I have an idea, but will not post it.

i agree ,but NGC is not alot better,why do you think so many dealers sent these 25th ANN. coins in to NGC,You can look at the POP. reports,and you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure it out.The more 70’s you can get from a grader the more money in your pocket.My local dealer uses NGC only and his shop is full of MS 70 stuff.Just look on ebay of NGC sets compared to PCGS sets.I know some people are going to say the cost of PCGS is different from NGC ,but like i said we all know the real reason ,it’s ALL ABOUT THE MONEY.LIKE THE DEALER THAT GETS TO ORDER MANY SETS.I went to a coin show last week the guy had enough guts to tell me he had multiple family members order sets ,he finished with a total of 35,was sending all into NGC and ANACS,he felt sure he would get mostly 70’s,he said it was hard to get 70’s from PCGS.He could get more profit from coins.I told him i was glad he was looking out for the average coin collector.He said I do this for the money i look out for myself not anyone else. NICE GUY !!!!!! Just telling all of you this story to make my point,we all know again why dealers only use certain grading companies, the horses A– just told me.

Again, I am a novice at collecting and I understand from at least 5 different local coin shops that NGC and PCGS are the top two grading companies. In the last 4 or 5 months I sent in about 27 coins ( silver eagles) to NGC I received 4 70s 2 68s and the rest 69s. I am waiting for my 25th anniversary sets to come back from NGC. I will let you know how they were graded. I realiize it’s all about money but how much? If you do your due diligence this will show the differences in the respective coin shops.

my local coin shop buys coins for only the melt value. They dont care of the grade for modern coins they dont pay extra for the coin beign 70. That sucks is this coin shop ripping people off or is that how it is in all coin shops just pay you melt value. The owner told me grade modern coins is stupid. There new coins, they should not be graded. He almost was laughing for the slab modern silver eagles that i had. Thats the last time i went to that coin shop. To bad thats the only one in my area.

You bring up a good point. Maybe an experiienced collector can give an opinion on whether or not silver eagles should be graded. I understand this is totally subjective from coin shop to coin shop. I recently sold a complete set of silver bullion eagles not graded. If they were graded MS69 I could have received 300.dollars more. Taking into account the cost of shipping , insurance and grading fees for each coin I often wondered if it is worth the expense. You do run the risk of receiving less than a PF70 or PF69. Just for your info, of the five or so local coin shops I patronize everyone of them say not to buy coins from the TV shopping channels.

Some of the coin shops have both in my area ,especially if they have traded or brought or sold other coins ,but the two that i deal with only send coins to NGC,also pick out any silver eagle or any collector coin for that fact ,and just look at the population reports on ms or proof 70,you will see the difference,of who has the most and the least.

I did recieve my order and looked all of them over, putting all the coins back in their holders in order. And then I saw it on one of the presentation boxes the word United States is embossed as “nited States” the U is totally just not there. Now I realize this is not a coin mint error but still. Out of 100,000 sets made I have not yet heard of or seen this error.

I Can only hope that speculators all lose their shirts with these graded sets. A true collector collects for the joy of it, not some obscene speculative value. Coin grading has become the single most damaging aspect to coin collecting since I started in the hobby 50 years ago. I don’t need a third party to grade my coins, that’s what I and my dealer are there for. Third party grading is often incorrect and a cost that can never be recovered. We have all seen that 1980 Jefferson nickel slabbed as ms67 selling for a dollar. That’s service.

Those that do not open their sets and enjoy them for what they are, a beautiful example of the mints artistry, are a pariah on the hobby. They are not collectors they do not share in the joy of the hobby, just in the dollars that may be made quickly and cheaply. They have infiltrated the hobby and priced many out of the hobby entirely. To all the remaining true collectors that were not able to get a set from the Mint, thank the speculators and large corporate dealers for screwing you out of the opportunity.

Thank you for your opinion. I truly appreciate what you feel. I been told this before by one of the coin shops that I patronize. I am a novice at the hobby but its hard to find a person that is as passionate about the hobby as you are. Thanks again for responding and have a Happy Thanksgiving

I received my 5 sets on 11/14 and I decided on 11/24 to open the box. I had one coin, Unc. W loose out of the air-tight and under the display slab, the capsule was closed and I am unable to open. I had 3 other coins loose but still in their capsules. By my eye they all look perfect except for 3 out of the 5 Unc. S’s, each having the same small mark at the bottom edge on the Liberty side. All of my Bullion and Unc. S’s have the dimple on the tail feather of the eagle the others do not.
Mike

lol. I heard HSN is getting burn on th 25th anniversary set. hsn policy states that you can return by 1/30/12. So people who bought the 70 set for $2999 are returning it because now the NGC 70 set goes for $1995. Oops hsn and the 69 sets didnt sell. I guess mike mezack getting fired by hsn . They blow lots of money and wont sell the sets.

update, the NGC and PCGS 70 set sells for $1200 now. So why keep the hsn anacs 70 set if you can returned by 1/31/12. hsn got burn bad lol. now hsn is selling the reverse proofs 70 from the people that are returning the sets.

I received my 25th anniversary sets back from NGC on December 10. I sent 2 sets in for grading and of the 10 coins, I got back 4 70’s and the rest 69’s. I must say these are beautiful coins and they fit nicely in the original government box with the blue 25th anniversary label matching the box. Does anyone know when these sets will be included in the NGC population reports ?

Hi Louis,
I am one of the lucky collectors who ordered late(6:02 pm) order number 38389xxx who is about to receive the set from the mint. My credit card has been charged and the set is in stock and reserved. I will open it and enjoy the coins as I am a collector and I am planning on keeping the set intact. I wonder after all this hyping and spectulation, what percent of the 100,000 sets will be complete and in the original case. Good luck to any fellow collectors on the waiting list

I have out of one of my sets what I believe to be a one of a kind error, not on one of the coins though. It is on the Laquer Presentation case made specially for this set. The word United States is written “nited States” the U is just totally not there.
I have posted on other forums and search around and have found no mention of anyone else with a similar error case. My question is IS this a mint error, since it is not on the coin and does it add value to this set?? I can send and or post a picture is it would help.

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